Making your own Self Raising flour is simple and really handy when you run out, or just want to minimise ingredients stored in your pantry.
As we head more towards a zero waste lifestyle I love the ability to minimise my pantry and reduce the number AND amount of things we store. Choosing basic ingredients has become a big thing for me.
Why? Because having base items means I can make a load of other items with them, including self raising flour.
I use a range of gluten free flours like buckwheat, chic-pea, rice, soy, corn, coconut, spelt and more. Plus I like to use wholemeal wheat and white flour too. Some recipes call for plain flour, some for self raising.
Personally I don't want to keep 4 varieties of just wheat flour in the pantry and I do occasionally need my gluten free flours to have a little lift as they can be very different to work with in recipes.
I ALWAYS have cream of tartar on hand (for several recipes including homemade playdough) as well as baking powder (for cooking) and bicarb is an absolute necessity as we use it for so many things.
So why not make the most of these and use them to turn plain flour into self raising.
You might not be in the same flour boat as me, but I'm certain that if you bake you will require BOTH plain and self raising flour.
But why buy both if you don't have to? Also, you can get a cheaper deal when you buy large bags of flour and if heading to the bulk store, you can more easily find plain than self raising flours especially in small stores.
Anyway, I don't need to tell you why its so great to make your own self raising flours, you obviously found this because you already knew that and want the lowdown on how to do it yourself.
There are 2 options for doing this and you might need both depending on the situation.
Note that if you plan to do this with gluten free flours, you may need to increase the quantity and experiment a little.
Finding Zero Waste Flour
>Most bulk and wholefood stores will stock unpackaged flour and allow you to fill your own container or bag.
>Supermarkets usually carry a range of flour in paper bags which is much better than foil lined or plastic packaging AND far easier to recycle or compost in the backyard.
>Always opt for locally made flour where possible for less road and air travel miles, and consider getting it unbleached.
OPTION 1 - Zero Waste DIY Self Raising Flour
1 Cup of Plain Flour
1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder
1/4 Teaspoon of Salt
Some bulk stores do stock baking powder so it can certainly be a zero waste option. I know Source Bulk Foods stocks Australian (aluminium free) baking powder and other wholefood stores have it available too.
Don't forget, if your recipe calls for self raising flour AND baking powder , do still add the extra baking powder as some recipes require the extra rising power.
OPTION 2 - DIY Self Raising Flour (no baking Powder)
1 Cup of Plain Flour
1 Teaspoon of Cream of Tartar
1/2 Teaspoon of Bicarb Soda
This is super handy for when you run out of baking powder and S.R Flour but have the urge to whip up something homemade.
If you prefer to just pre-mix your own baking powder for future use, just add 1/2 a teaspoon of rice flour to stop it clumping together and keep in a small airtight container.
Now you can go ahead and make a DIY self raising flour for your next recipe.
Don't forget to pin this for later!
Baking at home helps us reduce so much packaging and single-use plastic. I usually bulk bake and set aside a day to devote to baking, freezing AND cleaning up the mess. Then we have plenty of lunchbox fillers and snacks on hand that I know have much healthier ingredients.
My favourite thing to bake at the moment are these mock chocolate brownies because they taste amazing, satisfy my chocolate cravings and are packed with protein and fibre.
What are you baking with your homemade self raising flour?